Paris Olympics 2024: What to know and who to watch during men’s basketball competition
- LeBron James is back to add more gold to an already glittering career, and does anyone really think the US won’t win again
A sport with the potential to be the least exciting competition in Paris as the US march inexorably towards a fifth straight gold meld in men’s basketball.
Well, not so fast. NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama and France will fancy their chances, and surprises do happen, after all look at 2004.
Athletes to watch
LeBron James (United States): The NBA’s all-time scoring leader seeks his third Olympic gold medal after wins in 2008 and 2012, and returns to the Games for the first time in 12 years. At 39, James presumably is playing in his final Olympics.
Kevin Durant (US): He is seeking to become the first four-time men’s basketball gold medallist, after helping the US win gold at Tokyo in 2021, Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and London in 2012.
Victor Wembanyama (France): The NBA rookie of the year and runner-up for defensive player of the year, behind French teammate Rudy Gobert, will be one of the faces of the Paris Games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada): The runner-up in this season’s NBA MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic of Serbia, another likely Olympic player this summer, will be asked to help deliver Canada a medal. It’s not out of reach, as proven by Canada’s bronze at the World Cup last summer.
Stephen Curry (US): The NBA’s all-time 3-point leader will make his Olympic debut at age 36.
Storylines to follow
